Witchcraft & Wicca

Wicca is one of the most
influential traditions of modern Paganism. Also known by the name Witchcraft,
it began to emerge publicly in its modern form in the late 1940’s. It is an
initiatory path, a mystery tradition that guides its initiates to a deep communion
with the powers of Nature and of the human psyche, leading to a spiritual
transformation of the self. Women who follow this path are initiated as
Priestesses and men are initiated as Priests.

‘Wicca is both a religion and a Craft. … As a religion – like
any other religion – its purpose is to put the individual and the group in
harmony with the divine creative principal of the Cosmos, and its manifestation
at all levels. As a Craft, its purpose is to achieve practical ends by psychic
means, for good, useful and healing purposes. In both aspects, the
distinguishing characteristics of Wicca are its Nature- based attitude, its
small group autonomy with no gulf between priesthood and ‘congregation’, and
its philosophy of creative polarity at all levels, from Goddess and God to
Priestess and Priest.’

Wicca is sometimes called the Craft of the Wise, or, more
commonly, the Craft.

Those wishing to be initiated must be at least 18 years of age.
Wicca does not seek converts and initiation is never offered. Initiation must
be asked for and is only given to those who have proved themselves suitable. It
is traditional to wait a year and a day before being accepted into the Craft,
although in practice this varies.

In Britain, there are a number of Craft traditions: Gardnerian,
Alexandrian, Traditional, Hereditary (Family), Dianic and Hedgewitch. In other
countries, other traditions have evolved to reflect their own culture.
Gardnerians claim lineage from Gerald Gardner, who was most responsible for the
revival of the modern Craft. Alexandrians descend from Alex and Maxine Sanders,
who developed Gardner’s ideas. Traditionalists claim their methods pre-date the
modern revival and have been passed down from generation to generation.
Hereditaries claim their traditions have been passed on by particular families
through relations of blood and marriage. Dianic craft is based on feminist
principles and Hedgewitches follow a more solitary path.

For some practitioners of the Craft, Witchcraft and Wicca are
seen as two distinct paths, for others, the boundaries between the two are more
blurred. Certainly, the word “Wicca” is less evocative and emotive
than “Witchcraft” but whatever their perceived differences, they both
share the same commonality in their beliefs and practises.

Witches celebrate eight seasonal festivals called Sabbats. Craft
rituals, like all Pagan rites, are often conducted out of doors and involve
simple rites to celebrate the seasons and the gift of life. Craft ritual is a
means of contacting the Divine beyond our individual lives, but also a way of
understanding our inner psyche and contacting the Divine within.

Witchraft is a path of magic and love, the movement of a deep
poetry of the soul, a sharing and joining with the mysteries of Nature and the
Old Gods.

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